Ring, Ring the Banjo: Wayne Shrubsall

Picking Shrubsall's Brain

Having Wayne Shrubsall as an American studies professor at UNM was a rare privilege. Shrubsall’s wide-ranging knowledge of American culture, especially of the musical forms and instruments developed on this continent, is a game-changer. In my case the result was a paper on the Grateful Dead and the realization that writing and studying would become more than an avocation. In addition to his storied academic background, Shrubsall is a helluva banjo player. His work with the Adobe Brothers and numerous other local bluegrass outfits is legendary; the band’s gigs are still numerous and popular in the city and region. It’s fitting that this local cultural treasure will present a lecture and demo on the banjo in American music at Albuquerque Academy's Simms Center for Performing Arts Little Theater (6400 Wyoming NE) on Monday Feb. 3. The evening’s program begins at 6:30pm. It's titled “Ring, Ring The Banjo” and is free to the public, but RSVP is required. Shrubsall will discuss the historical roots of the banjo while demonstrating techniques “on fretless, gourd-body, parlor, plectrum (4-string), folk and bluegrass banjos.” Expect exceptional insight and probably some dancing in the seats, too. (August March)